Thursday, May 7, 2015

Kumaahran believes Brazil stint gives him edge for SEA Games nod

The National U-23 player S. Kumaahran (left) training with his team-mates at Wisma FAM on Tuesday.

PETALING JAYA: National Under-23 striker S.
Kumaahran is confident his training stints with Brazilian giants
Cruzeiro will give him the edge for a spot in the final 20-man squad for
the Singapore SEA Games from May 30-June 15.

The Penangite caught the eye of a Cruzeiro scout and was offered
trials in 2011 and 2012, but their interest in the youngster fizzled
out. On his return, Kumaahran joined the Penang President’s Cup team in
2013.

The Butterworth-born player was later called up to join the Harimau
Muda C squad in 2014 and was soon fast-tracked to the Harimau Muda A
team to play in this year’s S-League. He also helped the national
Under-22 team win the Bangabandhu Gold Cup in Bangladesh in February.
The 19-year-old Kumaahran said the stints with Cruzeiro in Belo Horizonte was an eye opener and made him a better player.

“I went for the first stint with Cruzeiro when I was 15. I trained in
their academy for a month. They then called me back for a second trial
in 2012 and I was there for 2½ months,” said Kumaahran.
“I think they lost interest in me as they didn’t contact me after
that. But I’m still thankful for the opportunity as I returned home with
a richer experience.

“I might be a newcomer to the Under-23 team, but my target is to make
the final squad for the Games. It won’t be easy but I have learned that
hard work always pays off,” he added.

However, it’s easier said than done as the fleet-footed Kumaahran has
to jostle with six other strikers – Mohd Ferris Danial, Syahrul Azwari
Ibrahim, Rozaimi Abdul Rahman, Mohd Arip Amiruddin, Mohd Faizat Ghazli
and Muhd Syafiq Ahmad – to make the final squad.

“Rozaimi and Syahrul have been regulars and have won the SEA Games gold medal before but I’m not fazed,” said Kumaahran.

“I have nothing to lose because I’m the youngest striker in the team.
I’m still eligible to play in the next two Games. I’ll just work hard
to impress the coach (Ong Kim Swee).”